Job Discussion Forums

[Jbhughes]

The chances of my current employer being a useful verbal reference for a potential future employer are pretty slim, both now and after contract completion. This is essentially my first TEFL job and 2 years worth of experience (quite a lot of it post-CELTA) make this job invaluable on my CV and for any future job searches.

I realise that for some employers, not being able to actually make contact with such an integral work reference simply won't be acceptable. However, I can only try to make the best of the situation.


What alternatives do I have for using my experience in my current job when I look for greener pastures?
and:
What should a good reference letter include?


I ran a search for 'written references' and was surprised to find relatively little here on Dave's - aside from some quite specific China-related discussions and the following (useful!) post from Ttompatz in the Thailand sub-forum:
http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=88924&highlight=reference

Ah, and I did find another useful post by Spiral78 in one of the Eastern European sub-forums, but I can't seem to find that now.


Many thanks, and if this has been covered before, I'd be grateful if someone pointed me in the right direction.

[HLJHLJ]

It's unclear to me from your post whether you are concerned about them being unable to provide a verbal reference, or also a written reference.

If it's purely a verbal or communication difficulty then ask them to provide you with a written reference or letter of recommendation before you leave. You can help them to write it if language will be an issue.

It should contain the information a new employer will be interested in. Exactly what that information is depends on where you are looking, but things like how long you have worked there, that you were a good employee, reliable, punctual, professional, popular with students. Also summary of the age groups you have worked with, the courses you have taught, and anything else of note.

If you google 'example esl references' or something similar, you will find lots of information.

[Glenski]

[denise]

[tttompatz]

Bottom line:

The VAST MAJORITY of overseas employers, ESPECIALLY in EFL, will NEVER make an international call to check a reference (assuming of course that they even could (language issues). Yes, that is a broad, blanket statement and yes, there are exceptions but by-and-large it is true.

Get a certificate of employment, letter of reference on letterhead, and/or some photos of you in the work environment and you are good to go.

.

[spiral78]

On a practical level, I have given both employers and work colleagues a sort of template of a reference letter which they can simply edit. Making alterations rather than starting from scratch is entirely valid and much simpler for a referee, who will likely not have tonnes of time to devote to such a pursuit. I approach this from a 'saving your valuable time' aspect.
No-ones' ever objected - of course, I would welcome a written-from-scratch letter just as much!!


I have also found references from fellow teachers and students to be as useful as those from employers. School managers are often not actually educators themselves and may well not be best-positioned to advise a potential new employer about your stellar teaching skills.

Finally, you will want all the written documentation of your successful stint there that you can get. Word of mouth has a short shelf life, obviously. As ttompatz points out, it's rare that employers short of the university/international school level actually make international telephone calls, BUT they are interested in written documentation from previous employment.

[Jbhughes]

Many thanks everyone for all the advice, I will work on putting together some kind of portfolio, including a written reference, certificate of employment, photographs and potentially even student testimonials. Any other suggestions are still welcome.


Apologies if my post was unclear, I was concerned about my employer being able to provide a verbal reference and therefore was seeking alternatives, a written reference being one of them. It's a weight off my mind to find that verbal references are not as sought after as I previously thought.


[quote=denise]How big of a school is it? Unless it's a tiny little program, there should be someone else--if not your immediate supervisor, then another coordinator you worked for/with, the director of the school, etc. I'd caution against just using any ol' colleague, though... make sure it's someone who holds a position higher than yours.[/quote]

It is too small. We don�t even have a D.O.S as such, training and observation is conducted in other ways. Our boss micro-manages everything. I suppose I could ask one of the other foreign teachers to be a reference for me and at least label them as �senior teacher� or some such. A couple of the teachers here are more experienced than myself too � but only the boss and his manager hold positions that are higher than mine.
Would you say that a more experienced teacher is acceptable?

Thanks again.

[naturegirl321]

If they're worried about their English, you could offer to proofread your reference letter. I've even had employers ask me to write a first draft for them, then they go over it and add or subtract whatever they want.

I'd get a written reference letter before leaving. As well as their email address.